Forty Hall set for reopening (From Enfield Independent)

Enfield landmark Forty Hall set for reopening

10:02am Monday 18th June 2012 in News By David Hardiman, Reporter

An Enfield landmark will reopen its doors later this month following a £4million refurbishment.

The 17th Century manor house Forty Hall will hold a grand reopening on June 30 and July 1, with dancing, tours and exhibitions on offer at the historic building after a one-and-a-half year revamp to restore it to its original designs.

The surrounding park is also going through a £2m renovation after winning a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund late last year, with work to reveal the ruins of the Tudor-era Elsyng Palace and the hiring of a conservation officer to teach the history of the site to visitors, in a bid to make the grounds into a major attraction.

Council leader Doug Taylor said the hall, built in 1632 for former Lord Mayor of London Sir Nicholas Rainton, was a “truly special place”.

He said: “We look forward to welcoming visitors from both the local area and abroad to enjoy this jewel in Enfield’s crown.

“We want Forty Hall to be a major resource for schools to use for learning outside of the classroom, businesses to hire for events and conferences, families to use for weddings and celebrations. It will serve Enfield well for years to come.

”Generations of people in Enfield have enjoyed Forty Hall and this extensive refurbishment work means thousands more will be able to enjoy the fabulous gardens, the stunning interior and learn more about an integral part of this borough's rich and chequered history.”

The refurbishment involves the rooms returning to their original Jacobean alignments and the 17th and 18th Century interiors brought back. The house also has been made fully accessible for the first time with a lift installed.

The council also wants to encourage youngsters to take up work placements, training and apprenticeships set to be introduced at the landmark.